Brother Andre, founder of Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, came one step closer to canonization Saturday when Pope Benedict XVI attributed a scientifically inexplicable healing to him.

Recognition of the miracle was announced following a meeting of the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops. Details of the miracle were not disclosed.

"Brother Andre is renowned throughout the family of Holy Cross as a man whose prayer reached the heart of God. The miracle which has just been recognized demonstrates just how much he still attends to human suffering and inspires the life and mission of the religious of Holy Cross," said Father Jean-Pierre Aumont, Superior of the Canadian Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross in a statement.

Pilgrims regularly pray to Brother Andre to heal their injuries, particularly if they have difficulty walking.

Brother Andre was born in 1845 in Saint-Gregoire d'Iberville, south of Montreal. He was declared Venerable on June 12, 1978 by Pope Paul VI and was beatified on May 23, 1982 by Pope John Paul II in Rome.

As many as 10 million people have signed a petition calling for Brother Andre to be named a saint.